“I don't deal with people with bad reputations, ” testified Vaino Keelman. Keelman is an investment consultant and partner at Ontario-based API Financing. He was called to the stand at the defamation trial of former city councillor John Ferguson to discuss the investment performance analytics his firm performed for the city's pension board from 2002 to the present.

Keelman testified that since he was first retained, the investment policies and goals of the Saint John Pension board were entirely in line with national standards, and its investment decisions were not contrary to API's advice. When asked by pension board lawyer Barry Morrison how the performance of the SJ pension board from 2002-2007 compared to boards elsewhere, Keelman responded glowingly: “It was fantastic. The pension board is a group of astute people who spend a lot of time looking into their investment affairs. They're not an easy audience for me or anyone else.”

Asked whether API makes a habit of dealing with clients with poor reputations, he stated, “If we don't have a sterling reputation, we could be sued for errors and omissions. We turn down business from people with bad reputations.” Keelman said API continued to work with the pension board even after Mr Ferguson's comments allegedly defamed its reputation, adding he knew nothing of the remarks.

Later on, former pension board trustee Fred Slipp was called for further cross-examination. Lawyer Rod Gillis attempted to show that Slipp and his fellow trustees failed to nip the unfunded liability in the bud. He also suggested they were lax in deciding who deserved disability pensions. Slippp described the fallout from Ferguson's 2006 comment that “any attempt to push the issue under the carpet wouldn't last forever.” He told the court, “I had a number of people come up to me and ask me what the pension plan was pushing under the rug. I tried to tell them [it] wasn't trying to sweep anything under the rug—but they didn't seem to understand that.”

The Saint John Sea Dogs are riding high winning their last two home games before a long road stretch starts Friday to finish the regular season.President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News the weekend wins capped a great week with Charlie Coyle and Danick Gauthier getting NHL deals.

He says the team is hanging on to first place in a battle with Shawinigan to clinch the Jean Rougeau Trophy for regular season champs adding the team is enjoying its time in the sun.

Longs add they are looking forward to a long and deep playoff run. The team first home playoff game on March 23rd will be broadcast coast to coast on Sportsnet. Tickets for the playoffs go on sale on Saturday. For more info, click here

Slipp was also asked by Gillis whether Ferguson made any direct reference to fraud in his statements about the city's pension plan. Slipp testified there was no direct reference, only the innuendo.

As to the comparison to the pension problems in San Diego where there was an investigation of fraud, Slipp conceded he didn't know what was happening there until he was told by the former finance commissioner Andrew Beckett.

Gillis is suggesting the Pension Board isn't all that transparent, asking Slipp whether the members of the public can attend its meetings to which Slipp replied "No".

As for all the stories that were circulating about the pension plan's rising deficit, Slipp told the jury everyone has their own perspective.

Will pay equity be part of the provincial government when it's unveiled later this month.? That's the question being asked by workers in childcare, home-care, at transition houses, and in group homes who are hoping for wage adjustments.

The Saint John committee of the Coalition for Pay Equity will try to raise awareness with "Soup for Solidarity" at Centenary Queen Square United Church on Wentworth Street. Coalition Vice-President Elizabeth Blaney tells CHSJ News there's growing skepticism.

"We fear that there hasn't been any talk about this in the budget--suggesting that pay equity isn't a priority, and according to the Finance Minister the budget is all about priorities," says Blaney.

Blaney points out it's mostly women doing these jobs, and the big question should be why they aren't being fully remunerated.

Whether you're a woman taking care of elderly relatives or saving for your first home, good personal finance skills are important. A new program called I'm Worth It from the NB Securities Commission is teaching women more about managing their money.

Education Coordinator Marissa Rignanesi says the program is useful to women of all ages and walks of life, because statistics show that many women lack a full understanding of how to make the most of their personal finances.

The free program, which includes interactive worksheets and an online money management guide, is available for download tomorrow.The release coincides with International Women's Day, which is observed on March 8th.

Get your copy of the I'm Worth It materials at www.investinknowingmore.ca

A woman in her twenties was taken to hospital after a car struck the median along the causeway, flipping over and winding up on its roof while traveling westbound. The fire department reports the driver had to be cut from the car.

And another woman getting into trouble after she reportedly confronted some students from the Middle East who happened to be in Brunswick Square at the time.

Talk about paving paradise to put up a parking lot....the Conservation Council offering scathing criticism of a proposed move to sacrifice conservation measures on crown land in order to provide a temporary wood supply.

David Coon of the conservation council tells CHSJ News the way things are now is working well in these areas. Currently, some cutting is already allowed--you're simply not allowed to clear cut. The proposed measures would allow clear-cutting to happen.

45 groups have signed on to protest the proposed changes, and urge concerned citizens to contact Minister of Natural Resources Bruce Northrup.

To let the Minister know what you think of the plan, contact bruce.northrup@gnb.ca or visit the Conservation Council's website at www.ccnbaction.ca